Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections

Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections

Platelet-rich plasma therapy – also referred to as PRP injection – is an exciting branch of sports medicine that allows athletes to heal and recover from chronic pain and/or injuries of the tendons, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, nerves, and more. Unlike the Stem Cell Patients at Apex in Walnut Creek, our PRP Injection Patients typically do not have moderate to severe osteoarthrtitis and are seeking a reduction in inflammation.

PrP Injection treatment at our Walnut Creek facility is safe, non-surgical, and doesn’t even use drugs. With PRP injections, the patient’s own blood platelets are the healing agent. At Apex Advanced Medicine, serving Walnut Creek and the Bay Area, we can help you get back in the game with fast-acting, highly effective platelet-rich plasma therapy. Learn more below about this revolutionary alternative to steroid injections and surgery.

How does platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy work?

A lot of us know that blood platelets help stop a cut. But researchers now know that these platelets do more than coagulate and stop blood flow; they also release growth factors, which draw special regenerative cells (“progenitor cells”) to the site of the injury. At Apex in Walnut Creek, we use platelet-rich plasma therapy to maximize this platelet/progenitor cell relationship.

During your PrP Injection appointment at Apex Advanced Medicine in Walnut Creek, your medical provider will perform a basic blood draw. The blood is placed in a centrifuge that separates the platelets and plasma from the red blood cells. After about 15 minutes, the platelet-rich plasma is removed from the centrifuge. Your practitioner will place a needle into the damaged area of your body that requires treatment, and inject the platelet-rich plasma into the injury site. The high concentration of platelets is loaded with growth factors, which expedites the healing and recovery process. This entire procedure is done in-office and takes about an hour to complete.

How often are PRP injections administered?

After you receive a PRP injection, you will be asked to return to Apex Advanced Medicine for a follow-up appointment six to eight weeks later. Your medical provider will evaluate your injury to see how effective PRP therapy has been. While some patients may be fully or nearly recovered, most patients will return for two or three more treatments. Injections are usually spaced eight to 12 weeks apart.

What are the benefits of PRP injections?

Platelet-rich plasma therapy offers many benefits. Athletes are especially interested in this treatment option, as it can help speed up the recovery process and get them back to the game.

Affordable. Compared to the cost of an open or minimally invasive surgery, PRP therapy is a very affordable alternative.

Quick recovery. Most patients will have motion the day following the procedure. Inflammation tends to diminish within 10 to 14 days. Many athletes will see significant improvement in four to eight weeks.

Safe. PRP therapy involves very few complications and risks. Plus, the entire procedure is done in-office on an outpatient basis.

Apex Functional Medicine helped me so much. I came in struggling with pain, inflammation, and food addiction. They not only helped me to regain my health, but they also took the time to educate me on why certain issues were happening and how everything was connected.

We are so lucky to have Apex in our community. They are truly changing lives every day. Its such a great experience when you go here, everything from the edication to the individualized programs that really get to the root cause so you live better for the rest of your life.

I can’t even begin to adequately express just how much Apex has done to improve the quality of MY life and I am not even their client! I’m not sure where to begin but perhaps I should just start with a little background….